I’ve been looking at different machines, makes and models for a number of years now and thanks to Titan and everything he has put out there, I’ve come to meet the HAAS. But how does one choose a machine? spindle speed, spindle tool taper, is it necessary to add 32GB extra memory storage? I find to start off having more options to stay flexible with 1 machine is beneficial to keep costs down and a flexible offering for your own products and to offer clients flexibility without having to outsource work to companies with machines you don’t have.
So what I am looking to do is find help and answers while learning and helping others.
If anyone is up to it we can start with understanding the Haas website and product line and the different options that come with there machines. Maybe start a weekly series with a study guide?
Would love to here your thoughts and suggestions. Cheers for for now…Boom.
I do not own a Haas but have considered it lately. I have 1,Kent USA two access neemill Sony controller, 1 3 axis bed Mill no tool changer open type no box around it, with a Centroid control, and CNC engine lathe with a tool turret and the Centroid controller. I also have some manual equipment.
For the most part I make tooling ones and twos an occasional 10 very rarely 50 or 100. I would love the opportunity to have a machine with a tool changer like the Hass. I would love to be able to afford a Herco.
Haas is a great machine despite what you hear about them. The side mount tool changers are way better and also allow room too. Biggest I would say looking at what you want to run and pushing the machining limits feeds and speeds wise. So that would play a factor in my decision for sure. Machine size would be based on how small or big the parts you would make. For 3 axis machining the VF Series are awesome plus plenty of upgrades available. Machine taper from my way of thinking I want all my machines to be the same which is 40. That way I can grab any tool holder and go to building tools, but if I was big machining I would go 50 Taper.
First timer, What parts are you going to make?, This drives the machine type decision. I do not own any machines, just rent others and use my data. There are so many idle machines, everywhere. A hunk of hardware is an expensive item, how about a “Maker Place” or local college.
The best advice, is always going to be, purchase a machine(or machines) for what products you intend to make. These could be products or product families you already have in place or lined up, or that is part of your business plan. Generally this tells you what kind of income you have available, which decides your machine purchase to include bells and whistles.
If you are just getting into machining, you probably have no idea what products you will be making or what type of jobs you will be taking on, which is also often the case - well in that case, you buy what you can comfortably afford right now. And make sure whatever you buy will have some sort of resale value.
You can’t plan for a future that you are not certain of - so spending a ton of time picking out machine features for the possibility of one day needing them can turn into an expensive and unused scenario.
So getting a decent machine, that allows you to get started from nothing to something is the best first step - then as your new found"something" comes into picture, then you can trade up to a machine that now fits your more definable needs.
I think everyone, after they are established - looks back and say “If I would do it again - I’d buy all new, this and that machine” But this only comes from hindsight, and a subconscious knowledge of their current business. For every guy like that there is always the guy who is selling off his equipment because he can’t make the bills and bought too much machine for the amount of business they were able to create.